The Ducks have wasted no time getting their roster down to size. The latest cuts were made after two more pre-season games over the weekend.

Centers Trevor Smith and MacGregor Sharp, defenseman Jake Newton and goaltender Timo Pielmeier were sent to the Syracuse Crunch. The Ducks AHL affiliate will begin their pre-season games shortly, giving them necessary experience heading into their regular season.

Goaltender Igor Bobkov was reassigned to his junior team. Also let go was Stephane Veilleux, released from his pro try-out.

Although Veilleux had a very good start to training camp, almost exuding too much energy in the early scrimmages, he was unable to continue at that pace.

“We thought he would have to come in here and out-compete and out-battle someone for a contract,” said coach Randy Carlyle matter-of-factly. “We felt that wasn’t happening any more.He worked hard, he was a good teammate, he tried…those are tough decisions.”

The Ducks now have 27 healthy players on their roster – 16 forwards, 9 defensemen and 2 goaltenders. The Ducks will need to pare down two more forwards and defensemen by the opening of regular season in order to meet the 23 player maximum.

The Ducks will continue to evaluate players in the final three pre-season games of the year, including tomorrow night against the Los Angeles Kings.